2020 BMW M

No photo available — body style shown for reference.

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Engine

Engine leads by volume: 45 of 59 complaints (76%) mention it.

Complaints filed rose from 8 in 2019 to 59 in 2020.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 5 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.Also cataloged for 2020: 14 configuration(s) of a different vehicle class, excluded from the comparison bar only (but included in the figures above).
Category20182019202020212022vs. 2020 Subcompact Cars
Annual fuel cost ($)3,500–4,8503,250–4,8503,100–4,8503,000–4,8504,100–4,550
Combined MPG16–2216–2416–2516–2617–19
City / Highway MPG14–20 / 20–2614–21 / 20–3013–22 / 20–3013–23 / 20–3215–16 / 21–23
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)395–553367–553353–570333–570470–523
Complaints filed488591913Not compared
Recalls issued6915112Not compared
Crash-involved complaints00000Not compared
Fire-involved complaints20010Not compared
Injuries reported00000Not compared
Deaths reported00000Not compared
Configurations compared71523146

Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2020 BMW M have?

15 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 2020 BMW M?

Engine: 45 of 59 NHTSA complaints (76%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 2020 BMW M get?

EPA rates it 16–25 MPG combined.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 BMW M?

EPA estimates $3,100–$4,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

EPA-Rated Configurations (37)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Automatic (S8)63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars22 mpg (high)30 mpg (high)25 mpg (high)$3,100 (low)353 g/mi (low)
Configuration 2Manual 6-spd63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars19 mpg27 mpg22 mpg$3,500408 g/mi
Configuration 3Automatic (S8)63.0LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars22 mpg (high)30 mpg (high)25 mpg (high)$3,100 (low)356 g/mi
Configuration 4Automatic (S8)63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars22 mpg (high)30 mpg (high)25 mpg (high)$3,100 (low)353 g/mi (low)
Configuration 5Manual 6-spd63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars19 mpg27 mpg22 mpg$3,500408 g/mi
Configuration 6Automatic (S8)63.0LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars22 mpg (high)30 mpg (high)25 mpg (high)$3,100 (low)356 g/mi
Configuration 7Automatic (S8)63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars22 mpg (high)30 mpg (high)25 mpg (high)$3,100 (low)353 g/mi (low)
Configuration 8Manual 6-spd63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars19 mpg27 mpg22 mpg$3,500408 g/mi
Configuration 9Automatic (S8)63.0LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars22 mpg (high)30 mpg (high)25 mpg (high)$3,100 (low)356 g/mi
Configuration 10Manual 6-spd63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars18 mpg25 mpg20 mpg$3,900440 g/mi
Configuration 16Automatic (S8)63.0LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars22 mpg (high)30 mpg (high)25 mpg (high)$3,100 (low)356 g/mi
Configuration 17Automatic (S8)63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars22 mpg (high)30 mpg (high)25 mpg (high)$3,100 (low)353 g/mi (low)
Configuration 23Automatic (S8)126.6LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumLarge Cars13 mpg (low)20 mpg (low)16 mpg (low)$4,850 (high)570 g/mi (high)
Show 24 more configurations
The remaining EPA-rated configurations on this page.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 11Automatic (AM-S7)63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars17 mpg23 mpg19 mpg$4,100471 g/mi
Configuration 12Manual 6-spd63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars17 mpg25 mpg20 mpg$3,900450 g/mi
Configuration 13Automatic (AM-S7)63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars16 mpg22 mpg19 mpg$4,100481 g/mi
Configuration 14Manual 6-spd63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars17 mpg25 mpg20 mpg$3,900450 g/mi
Configuration 15Automatic (AM-S7)63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars16 mpg22 mpg19 mpg$4,100481 g/mi
Configuration 18Manual 6-spd63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars18 mpg25 mpg20 mpg$3,900440 g/mi
Configuration 19Automatic (AM-S7)63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars17 mpg23 mpg19 mpg$4,100471 g/mi
Configuration 20Automatic (AM-S7)63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars17 mpg23 mpg19 mpg$4,100471 g/mi
Configuration 21Manual 6-spd63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars18 mpg25 mpg20 mpg$3,900440 g/mi
Configuration 22Automatic (AM-S7)63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumCompact Cars17 mpg23 mpg19 mpg$4,100471 g/mi
Configuration 24Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars18 mpg25 mpg20 mpg$3,900435 g/mi
Configuration 25Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars17 mpg25 mpg20 mpg$3,900450 g/mi
Configuration 26Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumMidsize Cars18 mpg25 mpg20 mpg$3,900435 g/mi
Configuration 27Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumMidsize Cars17 mpg25 mpg20 mpg$3,900450 g/mi
Configuration 28Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg$4,550518 g/mi
Configuration 29Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg$4,550518 g/mi
Configuration 30Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg$4,550518 g/mi
Configuration 31Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg$4,550518 g/mi
Configuration 32Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumMidsize Cars15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg$4,550518 g/mi
Configuration 33Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumMidsize Cars15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg$4,550518 g/mi
Configuration 34Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumMidsize Cars15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg$4,550518 g/mi
Configuration 35Automatic (S8)84.4LAll-Wheel DrivePremiumMidsize Cars15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg$4,550518 g/mi
Configuration 36Manual 6-spd63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars17 mpg24 mpg20 mpg$3,900452 g/mi
Configuration 37Automatic (AM-S7)63.0LRear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars16 mpg23 mpg19 mpg$4,100469 g/mi

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine450000
Transmission & Drivetrain40000
Fuel System40000
Electrical70000
Brakes10000
Steering00000
Suspension, Wheels & Tires40000
Airbags & Restraints00000
Driver Assistance & Speed Control00000
Body, Seats & Latches00000
Visibility & Lighting00000
Other110000

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (15)

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE · Campaign 24V576000 · Aug 1, 2024

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

    Consequence: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • SEAT BELTS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 23V584000 · Aug 17, 2023

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • SEATS · Campaign 23V211000 · Mar 30, 2023

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.

    Consequence: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • ENGINE · Campaign 21V598000 · Aug 3, 2021

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.

    Consequence: Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · Campaign 21V096000 · Feb 19, 2021

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS; VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · Campaign 21V091000 · Feb 19, 2021

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 228i, 228i xDrive, and M235i xDrive vehicles. If the driver initiates an automatic closure of the sunroof, and the vehicle key status is changed to "off" or "lock," the sunroof may continue to close. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-operated Window Systems."

    Consequence: If the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it may increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof electronic coding software, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM · Campaign 20V666000 · Oct 29, 2020

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 M2 Coupe and 2020 M4 Coupe vehicles. Fuel injectors may have been installed without a damping component which is used to reduce vibration. If a damping component is not present, vibration will increase at the connection between the fuel line and the fuel rail, which over time, can result in damage at the connection.

    Consequence: A damaged connection between the fuel line and the fuel rail could lead to a fuel leak and, in the presence of an ignition source, increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel injectors and if a damping component is missing, the injectors and the fuel rail will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 20V598000 · Sep 30, 2020

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY · Campaign 20V355000 · Jun 16, 2020

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.

    Consequence: A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

  • AIR BAGS; SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY; SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · Campaign 20V164000 · Mar 20, 2020

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

    Consequence: If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Show 5 earlier campaigns
  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · Campaign 19V883000 · Dec 12, 2019

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit.

    Consequence: An electrical short circuit can cause the transmission to shift to neutral resulting in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace any damaged transmission harnesses. All harnesses will be rerouted and secured. These repairs will be performed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 3, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID · Campaign 19V755000 · Oct 24, 2019

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 330i, 330i xDrive and M340i vehicles. The interior trunk release cable may have been improperly installed, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

    Consequence: If a person were inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out, increasing their risk of injury.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the interior trunk release cable and properly install the cable, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 19V684000 · Sep 30, 2019

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

    Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

  • SEATS · Campaign 19V600000 · Aug 14, 2019

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2020 M340i and one M340i xDrive vehicle. Due to improper welding, the rear center headrest may fold in the event of a rear impact crash.

    Consequence: If the headrest folds down in a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear center headrest, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

  • AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER · Campaign 19V352000 · May 13, 2019

    Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled.

    Consequence: An improperly folded and assembled air bag may not deploy as intended, increasing risk of injury.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the knee air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.